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HERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT WE THINK ARE IMPERATIVE TO YOUR JOURNEY HERE, AS YOU EXPLORE WHAT THE BRIDGE HAS TO OFFER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Experiences SUNDAYS
TRADITIONAL 8:15AM
1. Need information?
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
You can find it all in
MODERN 9:30AM
this magazine, on our
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & guitar driven worship.
website, or through our mobile app.
BLENDED 10:50AM This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
3. Join a small group.
EN ESPANOL 10:30AM
In a large church,
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia . Children and Youth can take part in what is happening on our main campus.
the key to making friends and having community is joining a small group.
MIDWEEK
at 7:00PM
TRADITIONAL
2. Stop by Starting
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee in the Chapel.
Point after the service. You will find
MODERN
someone to answer
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure in the Worship Center.
any questions you may have about our
EN ESPANOL
church.
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia
4. Our student’s and kid’s experiences are outstanding. Make sure your kids
AFTER HOURS CONTACT INFORMATION
don’t miss out on the
In case of emergency please contact our church office at 405.376.4538 and our answering service will contact us accordingly.
amazing things we have going on just for them.
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7 Team-Building Games for a Winning Marriage If team-building techniques can unite a group of semistrangers, couldn’t similar exercises bond two lovers? Cue eye-rolls and unenthusiastic groans. At least that’s how television parodies corporate team-building exercises, airing
Keep reading to learn how you and your spouse can cultivate
failed “trust falls” and distasteful “diversity days.”
your unique couple culture as you hone strengths and overcome obstacles – one game at a time!
Admittedly, these parodies can be side-splittingly funny, but the value of team building in the business world, and in your
The yokes on you (and your spouse)
marriage, lasts long after the laughs fade. Rest assured, your participation – whether as a boisterous or blushing player –
You best not call your wife a cow, but picture a yoke propped
in these seemingly cheesy games reaps benefits for you and
on the shoulders of two oxen as a symbol of your marriage.
your team that are far better than cheddar!
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, Christians are warned to share a yoke only with other believers. Paul knew that a healthy
Research agrees that corporate culture thrives as coworkers
partnership is grounded in comparable spiritual maturity and
learn to communicate, affirm strengths, motivate
shared faith foundations.
performance and collaborate toward a common goal. In fact, the American Psychological Association found that
A yoke is just a portion of the picture, though. It’s merely a
of employees who feel valued in their workplace, 91 per
harness that connects the team to a weight – be it a plough
cent report being motivated to do their best work for the
or a furnace on the fritz – which they must carry toward
employer!
an objective. Even if the yoke fits, two same-sized oxen and two Christian spouses will fail to move or collapse under the
Now, go beyond corporate to couple.
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burden unless both partners heave in unison, as a team.
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SEVEN TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITIES
High-low – Businesses hold regular team meetings, which Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors of The Good Fight, suggest is a means of keeping “workers happy, productive, and in the loop.” Transforming corporate success to couple satisfaction, the Parrotts
Are you ready to hoist the yoke with your spouse? With
recommend having daily check-ins to share the highs
these seven principles penned by acclaimed psychologist and
and lows of your day with your husband or wife.
marriage expert John Gottman, and a relevant team-building
Focus on attentive, active and empathetic listening as
game to support each tip, you can play your way to a winning
your spouse shares their peaks and pits.
marriage! 1. Enhance your love map: A street map aids road navigation;
4. Let your partner influence you: Do you trust your wife?
a love map helps you navigate your spouse. After all, the more
Are you trustworthy? Trust allows for shared power in a
familiar you are with your spouse’s personality, concerns,
relationship, rather than a marital dictatorship. Through
history and values, the better equipped you are to tackle
mutual influence and validation for each other’s ideas, you
life’s ups and downs as a team. Nowadays, a GPS automates
and your spouse can cultivate a safe marriage in which you
road directions by replacing map reading with mindlessly
can be open without fear of judgment, dismissal or betrayal.
executing step-by-step commands fed to you by a woman with a British accent. For better or for worse, there’s no such
Blind mines – Take turns blindfolding and guiding
thing as a marriage GPS. You’ll need to put effort into reading
each other through an obstacle course in your living
your spouse!
room. Scatter random objects over the floor and use verbal cues to help your spouse dodge the mines.
Two truths and a lie – No, lying isn’t healthy for
Practice listening to and relying on your spouse’s
your marriage. But this fun and insightful game is!
influence to gradually grow more comfortable
Think of two truths about yourself and make up one
sharing power in life’s larger decisions.
falsehood. Share these with your spouse and see if he or she can pinpoint the lie. You’ll be surprised at how
5. Solve your solvable problems: According to Gottman, the
much you have left to learn about your spouse.
crux of this principle is collaboration to overcome situational dilemmas. Issues could include a begrudging division of
2. Nurture fondness and admiration: Your spouse has a lot of
labour or ignored sexual preferences. In these circumstances,
admirable qualities. Your prerogative is to point them out! To
heed Ephesians 4:3 to “make every effort to keep the unity of
grow fondness and nurture strengths, sincerely compliment
the Spirit through the bond of peace.” That means accepting
anything and everything you can about your husband or wife.
quirks, forgiving shortfalls and respectfully collaborating on practical solutions.
Name game – For each letter of your spouse’s name, choose a complimentary adjective to describe them.
Tied-up challenge – Tie behind your back or
Go for gold by doing this for their entire name –
otherwise immobilize your right arm and your
first, middle and last! Pay particular attention to
spouse’s left arm, or vice versa. Between the two of
highlighting and fostering strengths that directly
you, you’ll have two hands free with which you’ll
contribute to the health of your relationship.
attempt to complete a task. You could try making a sandwich, folding a paper airplane or tying a shoe.
3. Turn towards your spouse: Imagine a dot-to-dot puzzle.
You and your spouse are “one flesh” (Ephesians 5:31),
With each line drawn, the scattered dots transform into a
work like it!
meaningful image. In the same way, drawing small lines of connection with your spouse gradually reveals a clearer
6. Overcome gridlock: Do you become increasingly inflexible
and deeper understanding of him or her. Sound doable?
in your side of a conflict and refuse to listen to
Unfortunately, the busyness of life tends to make ignoring (continued on page 10)
your spouse’s bids for attention all too easy.
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Groups
SUNDAYS AT 10:50AM
RM 205
The goal of joining a group is growing in your walk with Jesus and surrounding yourself with people that can support you in taking your next steps. We believe life is better when you live in community.
Small Groups SUNDAYS AT 9:30AM
RM 201 KENNY MCGEE | 30’S-50’S How does God’s timeless word apply to us in real life? Let’s figure it out together! In this small group, find the support, friendships, encouragement, and Biblical answers that you need to face all that life may bring your way.
RM 203 ROY PECK | 30’S-50’S Life can be unpredictable, but life can also be a blast! While the answers may not all be clear, we can definitely make sure you don’t have to go it alone. Join us as we discuss how to navigate life as God intended, applying his Word everyday, and making the most of every minute we have!
RM 104 ARNOLD & PHILLIPS | 40’S-60’S Belonging to a community of believers who care is vital to our spiritual lives. Join this discussion based small group, where our priority is creating a positive atmosphere that encourages and challenges one another, so that daily we may implement our faith in God in practical ways.
RM 105 KATHLEEN WILCOXSON | 30’S-60’S When you study scripture, you discover that the Word of God truly is living and active! So, don’t miss this opportunity to join others in an indepth study of the Bible that will not only lead to great Biblical discussions, but will also educate and challenge you to pursue a deeper knowledge of, and maturity in, Christ.
RM 100 KENNETH MCGEE | 50’S & UP Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our counselor and our guide until He comes again. With that in mind, join this small group as we explore the Bible and discover what it means for us today and how we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us each day.
CHAPEL KEN ISOM | 50’S & UP We believe that our Senior Adults are a vital part of our church! This small group provides an opportunity for our “Prime-Timers” (Senior Adults) to fellowship, worship with one another, and engage in Biblical discussion.
DOUG WYATT | YOUNG ADULTS There is no greater transition in life than the one that leads into adulthood. Join this discussion based small group as we explore how to establish a Biblical foundation to help you navigate that transition.
RM 104 STEPHEN ROSEBROOK | YOUNG MARRIEDS Starting off a new life together can be an amazing adventure! Join other young couples in this small group as we discover how to set our marriages and future families up for happiness, just as God designed.
RM 201 ERNIE EIDSON | YOUNG FAMILIES Finding balance in our marriages, families, and careers can be tough. Don’t do it alone! Come laugh, fellowship, and learn with us as we explore how God wants us to lead our marriages and families.
RM 105 ROB MCCLURE | ALL AGES We believe that scripture is incredibly relevant for our daily lives! Join with people of all ages and life stages to explore scripture, verse by verse, and then discuss how to practically apply them to our lives.
RM100 BROOKE CARRUTH | WOMEN’S GROUP We say it all the time, “Connected people do life together.” Ladies, come join this small group designed just for you, and together we will discover how God fits into and applies to our busy lives.
RM204 BRIDGE STUDENTS Get connected in a weekly small group! This time is designed to help your students grow in spiritual disciplines.
RM 202 ED DAMRON | 40’S-60’S Faith moves mountains! We need to trust and believe that God is who He says He is, and He can do what the Bible says He can do! Join us as we explore scripture and discover how to grow in Christ and learn to handle real life issues with prayer and deep rooted faith in God.
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Grow Groups We offer Grow Groups for you and your family to build a sturdy foundation for spiritual growth in your life. These groups are designed to meet you where you are and provide you a path for reaching where you need to be.
TUESDAYS AT 9:30AM MOM’S CLASS Come hang out and grow with other moms while we watch your little ones! You know....a vacation! RM100
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY We are kicking off a brand new video assisted study on “The Patriarchs” by Beth Moore and would love for you to join us! RM104
PRIMETIME Hey senior adults! Here is an opportunity to get out of the house, have fun, and enjoy fellowship with other senior adults. RM105
Connect Groups We all want and need quality friendships. Every 3rd Sunday evening our Connect Groups meet throughout the community to provide an opportunity for you to hang out with, and get to know others from our church.
THIRD SUNDAY AT 6:00PM DOUG WYATT | YOUNG ADULTS (405) 204-4569 / doug@thebridgeag.org
WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00PM WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Do you feel that the ability to hear God’s voice is for other people and not for you? Not at all! The God who loved you enough to die for you loves you enough to talk to you. And wherever you are in your spiritual walk, God will find a way to speak to you in a way you will understand. Become acquainted with the Voice that has spoken from a fire and a cloud; with visible signs and an invisible Spirit; through a burning bush and burning hearts. This is a video assisted study. RM105
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Our lives are filled with constant noises competing for our attention. Yet many of us never hear the one voice we long to hear the most. In the midst of it all, God is still speaking. Do you hear Him? Come learn how to tune in and hear God. This is a video assisted study. RM104
STEVE & MISTI ROSEBROOK | NEWLY WEDS (405) 615-1740 / mistirosebrook@yahoo.com
JOSH & HOLLY JACKSON | 20-40’S (W/ KIDS) (405) 830-5878 / jjack540@cox.net
LUKE & ANDREA PURKEY | 20-40’S (W/ KIDS) (405) 317-4560 / andrea.purkey@gmail.com
ANNETTE HABEN | 30-40’S (W/ KIDS) (405) 323-9428 / smhaben@cox.net
JASON & MARGIE TIMM | 30-50’S (W/ KIDS & TEENS) (405) 613-4547 / mazawill@yahoo.com
ROB & SHERRI MCCLURE | 30-50’S (405) 517-8635 / rob@thebridgeag.org
DONNELLY & GROVES | 30-50’S (405) 740-3631 / alidonnelly4@yahoo.com
NAMI SUPPORT GROUP
ED & BRENDA DAMRON | 40-60’S
Every 1st & 3rd Week Are you the family, partner, or caregiver of an individual living with mental illness? Come find support and friendship with others in the same situation. We will discuss critical information and strategies related to caregiving. RM200
(405) 823-7442 / brenda@brendadamron.com
KATHLEEN & LINDEN WILCOXSON | 40-60’S (405) 820-2990 / kathleenwilcoxson@sbcglobal.net
KEN ISOM & KEN MCGEE | SENIOR ADULTS (405) 250-0619 / kenmcgee@thebridgeag.org
LIVING FREE ADDICTION RECOVERY Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life controlling issues. The End Zone.
Interest Based
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS | SPILLMANS (405) 650-5410 / spill1083@att.net
MOTORCYCLES | JANAT LATHAM (405) 229-2219 / janet.latham9@gmail.com
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SUNDAY NIGHTS
Happenings All Church CORPORATE PRAYER
FEB 4 No Activities
Tuesday at 9:00AM Join us every week as we come together for a time of corporate prayer in the Chapel.
REFRESH NIGHT Sunday, February 11 Join us at 6:00PM for Refresh Night. Refresh Nights are a night we set aside for a time of spiritual refreshing through powerful worship, life impacting messages, and individual/ corporate prayer.
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:50AM Join us every week for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons!
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS Wednesdays at 7:00PM We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
RANGER WARS Friday, February 16 We want all your boys to come join us from 6:3010:00PM for a giant nerf gun war and inflatable obstacle course. We will chow down on pizza and have a blast. The cost is $5.
FEB 18 Connect Groups
Bridge Women MAGNOLIA LUNCHEON Thursday, February 8 We want to invite all single ladies over 50 to join us for our Magnolia Luncheon where we want to honor you for being you. You can get signed up online. It starts at 11:30AM in The Commons.
BRIDGE WOMEN NIGHT OUT Tuesday, February 20 We want to invite all ladies to come join us at 7:00PM for a night out at Bronco Bowl. Childcare is provided at the Mustang Campus for birth-5 yrs old.
FEB 25 Grow Sessions
BRIDGE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE Wednesdays at 7:00PM Join us for our weekly service that your students do not want to miss. There is powerful worship, a life impacting message, and a whole lot of fun! This year we are walking through the entire Bible with a series called “Long Story Short”. Our goal is to help students read through the entire Bible this year.
REGGIE DABBS February 22 & 23 On February 22-23 nationally known speaker Reggie Dabbs will be in Oklahoma with us. Reggie will be doing school assemblies in Mustang and Piedmont. On Friday night, February 23 we will be hosting a Night Rally with Reggie Dabbs at 7:00PM in the Worship Center here at The Bridge and an after party in the youth building.
CAMP LIVE
BRIDGE KIDS EXPERIENCE
FEB 11 Refresh Night
Bridge Students
ZUMBA Monday’s at 6:30PM Ladies join us for Zumba each Monday night in the Kids Auditorium. Cost is $5
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Wednesday, March 7 This Wednesday night service is geared around EVERYTHING YOUTH CAMP! An awesome message, great worship, camp food and camp games - It’s going to be awesome. Invite your friends and let’s get excited about what God is going to do at Youth Camp this year! We can’t wait!
FAMILY NIGHT Wednesday, March 14 Family Night is always a great night for you, as a parent, to come see what your student(s) experience on a weekly basis in our Bridge Students Midweek services. We invite you to bring your family and join us as we play games, worship and hear a powerful and challenging message. We hope to see you and your family there!
Bridge Men MENS BREAKFAST Saturday, February 10 Come join us for a man sized breakfast, great fellowship, and a short devotional out in The Venue at 7:30AM.
Bridge Seniors VALENTINES PARTY Friday, February 9 Come join us for our Valentines Party at Grill on the Hill. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Vans will leave the church at 4:30PM.
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his position? Rather than sharing your hopes, dreams and aspirations with your spouse, perhaps you squelch them for lack of affirmation. When humour and affection decrease, stonewalling, criticism, contempt and defensiveness increase. Gottman calls this “gridlock.” Yearly strategy – The Lord says in Habakkuk 2:2, “Write the vision; make it plain.” Louis Upkins Jr., author of Treat Me Like a Customer: Using Lessons from Work to Succeed in Life, cites this verse as inspiration to write out a strategic
In 2018 we want to help as many people as possible read
plan with his wife each year. To start your own
through the entire Bible in one year. To help make that
strategizing, brainstorm and write down your
happen we kicked off a year long series during Midweek
marriage mission statement. This could be as
entitled “Long Story Short” and it’s never to late to jump on
general as committing to bring joy to your family,
board.
friends and community. Then work together on specific strategies, outlining what you will or will
Here’s how it will work...
not do to accomplish your goal. As you unearth and share your dreams and aspirations, your path
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out of gridlock will gradually begin to appear. 7. Create shared meaning: This is couple culture at its
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finest – and most fun! Note the nuances in your marriage. Your favourite make-out film, best-kept Saturday
Download the YouVersion Bible App on your mobile device. It is available on all mobile platforms.
Join our “Plan With Friends” reading plan to receive your daily readings and enjoy discussion with other people on the same journey through the Bible. You
breakfast routine and habit of holding hands during
can join by following the link below or checking out
prayer are just a few examples. Valuing these unique
our social media feeds. brdg.fyi/2AiOEhE
experiences forms a positive bond between you and your spouse.
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Pictionary or charades – Think of words or
Each Wednesday Night at 7:00PM we will come together in the auditorium and Pastor Rob or Pastor Doug will preach a message from the
situations that’ll help you and your honey recall
scriptures you read the previous week.
positive memories. For example, draw the place where you got engaged, act out your first kiss or
We believe that Growing People Change, and there is no
mime an inside joke. As you draw or act these
better way to grow in your walk with Jesus than to better
memories, rejoice in the symbols, rituals and
understand this book He left us as a guide. We are really
unifying meanings that make your marriage
excited about this journey. Come join us!
special. Of course, effective team building needs to be a regularly occurring, integral part of married life. So whether you’re aiming to conquer a New Year resolution or reignite the flame of yesteryear, commit today, tomorrow and every day to teamwork!
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